Washington, DC – Wiley is pleased to announce that Caleb P. Burns has been named co-chair of the firm's Election Law & Government Ethics Practice, alongside former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) Michael E. Toner, effective March 1, 2026.
With more than 25 years of experience in political law, Burns advises public companies, national trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and political committees on sensitive campaign finance and ethics matters that carry significant legal and reputational consequences. He regularly represents clients before the FEC and other regulators in complex enforcement proceedings and compliance matters involving heightened scrutiny. Burns also serves on Wiley's Management Committee.
"Caleb is an exceptional leader within the firm and across the political law community," said Managing Partner Peter D. Shields. "His experience and perspective have been integral to the continued strength of this team. Caleb and Michael will lead the group as clients confront expanding enforcement priorities and increasingly complex political law challenges."
Throughout his career, Burns has handled significant investigations and political law litigation at the federal and state levels, including high-profile regulatory matters and nationally significant compliance questions.
"Caleb has a strong instinct for what clients need and where the market is heading," said Toner. "He understands emerging political law issues and brings a disciplined approach to helping clients manage risk. I am so pleased to lead this practice alongside him as we continue to build on its strong foundation."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role with Michael and to continue building on the strength of our team," Burns said. "Our clients are navigating a regulatory environment that is active and often complex. We are focused on providing clear, practical guidance that helps them move forward with confidence."
Wiley's Election Law & Government Ethics Practice advises clients at the forefront of political and public policy activity on campaign finance, lobbying, pay-to-play, and ethics laws at every level of government. The team has successfully challenged laws, clarified regulatory requirements, and represented clients in significant litigation, including matters before the U.S. Supreme Court. It represents Fortune 500 companies, national trade associations, national political party committees, nonprofit organizations, political committees, and candidates in enforcement proceedings, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and federal and state court litigation, and provides strategic guidance in an environment defined by sustained oversight and evolving rules.